Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Jul 2021)

The Periareolar Approach: All Seasons Technique for Multiple Breast Conditions

  • Marco Klinger, MD,
  • Valeriano Vinci, MD,
  • Silvia Giannasi, MD,
  • Valeria Bandi, MD,
  • Alessandra Veronesi, MD,
  • Luca Maione, MD,
  • Barbara Catania, MD,
  • Andrea Lisa, MD,
  • Guido Cornegliani, MD,
  • Micol Giaccone, MD,
  • Mattia Siliprandi, MD,
  • Andrea Battistini, MD,
  • Federico Barbera, MD,
  • Corrado Tinterri, MD,
  • Alberto Testori, MD,
  • Fabio Caviggioli, MD,
  • Francesco Klinger, MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003693
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 7
p. e3693

Abstract

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Background:. The periareolar approach was first introduced by Hollander in 1924 and, since then, numerous contributions have been reported by different authors. Despite all the strengths associated with this versatile technique, the periareolar approach still poses three main problems: large areolar diameter with poor quality scar, flattening of the breast cone, and poor stability of the results. The purpose of this article is to show how this surgical technique, with a good patient selection, can be applied to different situations and obtain excellent results. Methods:. We performed a retrospective study on 5028 consecutive procedures in 4198 female patients treated with a periareolar approach in two regional institutions between 2008 and 2018. We considered 853 pure mastopexies, 362 breast augmentations, 422 secondary breast augmentations, 402 corrections of stenotic breast, 2921 oncoplastic surgeries, and 68 breast reductions. Postoperative complication, as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction were assessed. Result:. Patient and surgeon satisfaction 1 year after the procedure was excellent, and the complication rate was low. Conclusions:. When the indication is set correctly, the periareolar approach can obtain excellent results. This versatile technique, initially introduced as a mastopexy technique, has expanded its applications and can now be used for multiple surgical situations.